The City of Cape Town is hosting a
number of events to mark Women’s Day on Friday, 9 August 2013, as well as Women’s Month.
Women’s Day commemorates the march of at least 20 000 women of all races to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 9 August 1956 to protest against the carrying of pass books. The holiday is held to highlight this and other important contributions women have made to the country, as well as their ongoing struggle for gender equality.
The focus of the City’s events will be on sport, health and recreation, with workshops, theatre, fun activities and different sport offerings providing an opportunity for all people (not just women) to celebrate and acknowledge Women’s Day in a healthy and meaningful way.
“We want to encourage women and girls to have the confidence to walk onto a playing field and exercise their capabilities as leaders and decision-makers. The confidence gained through sport can encourage women to step out as leaders in society. We hope that Women’s Month will be a time where women can develop their potential, prioritise their health and enjoy time together,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Special Projects, Alderman Belinda Walker.
The Executive Mayor, Alderman Patricia de Lille, will address a Women’s Day Women of Strength event in Ward 67.
Events include:
Artscape Women’s/Humanity Festival
A variety of exhibitions, displays, discussion panels, plays, and support groups are being held from 4 to 10 August 2013. For more information, visit www.artscape.co.za.
Women’s Festival
A Women’s Day celebration including various fun activities will take place at Rocklands Civic Centre in Mitchells Plain from 08:00 to 15:00 on Friday. Contact Joan Rossouw on 078 180 3091.
Ward 95 Fun Walk
This will take place between 08:00 and 15:00 on Friday at Esigingqini Public Open Space, Enkanini, Khayelitsha. Contact Sibongile Mlotywa on 072 851 7840.
Langa Fitness and Self-Defence classes
At Langa Indoor Centre, Bhunga Avenue, Langa between 09:00 and 14:00 on Friday. Contact Colleen Butler on 021 444 7300.
Gugulethu Women’s Wellness Day
This will take place between 09:00 and 15:00 on Friday at Gugulethu Sports Complex, NY2, Gugulethu. Contact Melford Planga on 072 509 8291.
Kleinvlei Women’s Celebrations
This is being held at Kleinvlei Civic Centre, c/o Kool and Ganna Street, Kleinvlei, between 08:00 and 14:00 on Friday. Contact Charne Lingenfelder on 083 246 3760.
Grannies and Grandchildren Fun Day
This event will be held from 09:00 to 15:00 at Lwandle Sports Field, Nxolo Street, Lwandle. Contact Glen Goldman on 076 055 6804.
Women’s Pamper Day: Manenberg
A special treat for women: a pamper day will be held from 10:00 to 14:00 on Friday at Druiwevlei Community Centre, 105 Ruimte Road, Manenberg. Contact Gwendoline Jacobs on 083 925 2317.
Proteaville Women’s Day event
An event at Proteaville Recreation Centre on Women’s Day itself, and will involve health screenings from the Health Department; arts and crafts using recycled materials by Solid Waste; line dancing; team building and other activities. Contact Mary Scholtz on 021 906 0783.
Fisantekraal event
The City’s Health Department Northern District will host an event at the Fisantekraal Community Centre on 14 August between 09:30 and 14:00. There will be speakers and a breakaway session as well as stalls, including cancer awareness, self-defence, pampering and advice on police interdicts. Contact Wilma Martin on 084 6536656.
City Health Gender Forum
This event will take place on 16 August at Tygerberg Reserve. For more details, contact Ann Albrecht at 021 710 9459.
Drama and Aerobics
This will be held from 09:00 to 15:00 on Saturday, 17 August at Joe Slovo Hall, Freedom Way, Joe Slovo. Contact Astrid Trimm on 078 285 1728.
Women’s Pamper Day: Sherwood Park
Another pamper day will be held on Thursday, 22 August 2013 between 10:00 and 15:00 at Sherwood Park Hall, 4th Avenue, Sherwood Park. Contact Khatoon Ismail 084 425 0552.
OR Tambo Fun Walk
This event will be held next weekend, Saturday 24 August 2013, from 08:00 to 13:00 at OR Tambo Indoor Sports Centre, c/o Mew Way and Lansdowne Road, Khayelitsha. Contact: Bongani Duna on 072 844 5985.
Mitchells Plain Women’s Fun Walk
This will be held on the last day of Women’s Month, Saturday, 31 August 2013, from 08:00 to 15:00 at the Mitchells Plain Family and Youth Centre, c/o Kilimanjaro and AZ Berman Road, Mitchells Plain. Contact Mishqua Rix on 084 022 9696.
Swimming event
A Women’s Day event organised by Western Province Aquatics, Virgin Active and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport will be held at the Blue Downs Swimming Pool at 09:00 on Friday, focusing on preventing women abuse.
There will also be numerous other smaller events in and around the city. Visit your local library or community centre for more details.
